Pickleball Takes Center Stage in India on National Sports Day with Historic Nationwide Events

Summary – On National Sports Day, India witnesses a surge in pickleball’s popularity through seven major events and historic trials, marking a new era for the sport in the country.,

Article –

On India’s National Sports Day, observed annually on August 29th to honor hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, pickleball experienced a remarkable rise in popularity nationwide. The sport, transitioning from a grassroots recreational activity to a competitive discipline, staged seven major events simultaneously across key cities in India.

What Happened?

Seven coordinated events took place across metropolitan hubs, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune. These events featured:

• Competitive tournaments
• Skill development clinics
• Player selection trials

The initiatives were led by the Pickleball Association of India (PAI), which aims to elevate the sport’s profile nationally and promote formal participation in international competitions. The trials included rigorous fitness tests and head-to-head matches with the goal of forming India’s first national pickleball team for upcoming world championships.

Key Numbers

The seven events attracted over 5,000 participants across multiple age groups. More than 50 certified coaches and officials ensured compliance with International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) rules. Notably, player participation surged by over 200% compared to the previous year.

India plans to select approximately 12 top athletes to represent the country at the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) World Championships scheduled for next year.

Locker-Room Reactions

Leaders and players expressed optimism about the sport’s future in India:

• PAI President Rohan Mehta said, "National Sports Day events represent a milestone for pickleball in India. Our goal is to transform widespread enthusiasm into world-class performance. These trials are only the beginning of India’s international journey in pickleball."
• Top player Arjun Singh from Bengaluru commented, "It’s incredible to see pickleball gaining this much attention. Representing India at the world stage is a dream come true, and we hope this momentum continues."

The atmosphere was electric across venues, with strong social media engagement gathering broad interest beyond traditional sports fans.

What Comes Next?

The immediate result of these events is the formation of India’s first official national pickleball team. After selection, rigorous training camps will be conducted with guidance from Indian and international coaches. The PAI is actively pursuing recognition from the Indian Olympic Association to enable participation in multisport events.

Plans are underway to expand pickleball infrastructure in schools and community centers, supporting sustained growth. The association is also in discussions with international bodies to secure invitations to global ranking tournaments and the opportunity to host international events within India.

Looking ahead, the national team will compete in a regional Asian championship in December, serving as preparation before the world championships.

National Sports Day 2024 marks a pivotal moment for pickleball in India, signaling its rise as a competitive sport on the global stage.

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Bhavya

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